Pets

Selling just one litter of puppies for more than £1,000 could land people with a fine if they do not hold a licence

Local government

Dog breeders fined thousands of pounds as warning issued to animal owners

'Fireworks should be limited to one night'

More than 5,000 people have shared their views on Dorset's proposed dog related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), helping shape the rules that will apply in public spaces across the Dorset Council area from January 2027.

More than 5,000 people have shared their views on Dorset's proposed dog related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), helping shape the rules that will apply in public spaces across the Dorset Council area from January 2027.

More than 5,000 people share their views on Dorset's new dog control rules

Dog on the beach

Dog on the beach

Local government

Dogs free to roam on beaches again from next week

Trinity Manor Care Home in Sherborne recently organised a dog show for its residents, their families and friends who all brought their canine companions along to participate.

Trinity Manor Care Home in Sherborne recently organised a dog show for its residents, their families and friends who all brought their canine companions along to participate.

Sherborne care home organises dog show for its residents, families and friends

Came House, Dorchester

Came House, Dorchester

Fireworks warning issued for residents

Sculpture by the Lakes is hosting Dorset's very own Kukur Tihar Festival, Paws around the Park, on Saturday, September 12, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Sculpture by the Lakes is hosting Dorset's very own Kukur Tihar Festival, Paws around the Park, on Saturday, September 12, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Sculpture By The Lakes in Dorset to host festival celebrating dogs

The first walk will be held on the Great Field in Poundbury

The first walk will be held on the Great Field in Poundbury

Inclusive dog walks launched to bring people and pets together

A dog rescued by the RSPCA

A dog rescued by the RSPCA

Shocking figures reveal scale of animal beatings in Dorset which are on the rise

Do hedgehogs visit your garden?

Do hedgehogs visit your garden?

Experts are urging garden owners to do this one thing for hedgehogs

RSPCA ARO Meg Lloyd with Pauline Welch from Cats Protection

RSPCA ARO Meg Lloyd with Pauline Welch from Cats Protection

Cat crisis: RSPCA centres full as number of multi-cat rescues soar by 67%

Margaret Green Animal Rescue has announced the new date for its Country Fayre and Dog Show at its Church Knowle centre in Dorset, now scheduled for Sunday, October 4.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue has announced the new date for its Country Fayre and Dog Show at its Church Knowle centre in Dorset, now scheduled for Sunday, October 4.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue

New date announced for charity's popular Country Fayre and Dog Show in Dorset

Introducing a new dog to an existing pet at home can be nervous, but there are ways to manage it

Introducing a new dog to an existing pet at home can be nervous, but there are ways to manage it

Canine expert shares how to safely introduce a dog to another pet at home

Pets looked after by Taylors Rehoming Centre

Pets looked after by Taylors Rehoming Centre

Help raise much-needed funds for animals at rehoming centre

Margaret Green Animal Rescue has announced its decision to postpone its annual County Fayre & Dog Show out of concern for animal welfare as temperatures are forecast to increase by the weekend.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue has announced its decision to postpone its annual County Fayre & Dog Show out of concern for animal welfare as temperatures are forecast to increase by the weekend.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue

County Fayre & Dog Show in Dorset postponed out of concern for animal welfare

Cleaning products can be very harmful to pets.

Cleaning products can be very harmful to pets.

Pet charity warns of common household mistake that puts pets at risk

Weymouth Beach (Inset: Dog image)

Weymouth Beach (Inset: Dog image)

Local government

Survey shaping future of dog restrictions closing soon

Bowleaze Cove (Inset: Dog)

Bowleaze Cove (Inset: Dog)

Dog friendly beaches you can visit this summer

Margaret Green Animal Rescue is inviting the local community to enjoy a fun-filled family day out this summer, as its popular Country Fayre & Dog Show returns to the Church Knowle Rehoming & Visitor Centre, near Wareham (BH20 5NQ), on August 9.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue is inviting the local community to enjoy a fun-filled family day out this summer, as its popular Country Fayre & Dog Show returns to the Church Knowle Rehoming & Visitor Centre, near Wareham (BH20 5NQ), on August 9.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue

Popular Country Fayre & Dog Show returns to Dorset in August

Cllr Cathy Lugg

Cllr Cathy Lugg

Local government

Council accused of caring more for cats than children after crossing debate

Pets at Home is helping families keep children entertained this summer with the return of its free Pet Pals workshops, taking place in stores across England and Wales every day at 2pm from July 17 to August 28

Pets at Home is helping families keep children entertained this summer with the return of its free Pet Pals workshops, taking place in stores across England and Wales every day at 2pm from July 17 to August 28

Free Pets at Home summer workshops for children return across England and Wales

The RSPCA is urging pet snake owners to be extra vigilant during the warmer months - including this week’s heatwave - after new figures revealed a sharp rise in snake-related incidents across England and Wales.

The RSPCA is urging pet snake owners to be extra vigilant during the warmer months - including this week’s heatwave - after new figures revealed a sharp rise in snake-related incidents across England and Wales.

Heatwave prompts summer snake warning from RSPCA amid spike in stray incidents

Chester, who now lives back with his loving owner in the South West and three other cat friends and is enjoying life in his new home.

Chester, who now lives back with his loving owner in the South West and three other cat friends and is enjoying life in his new home.

New figures from RSPCA show 68 reports of summer cruelty in Dorset last year

Animals in RSPCA care staying cool

Animals in RSPCA care staying cool

Emergency action: what to do if you see an animal in a car during a heatwave

'Walking dogs in the heat during the day is cruel'

'Walking dogs in the heat during the day is cruel'

'I'm appalled by the number of people walking dogs in the heat – it’s madness'

Dorset dog owners alert over grass seed

Dorset dog owners alert over grass seed

Dorset vet warns dog owners about common summer hazard

Council urging people to have their say on dog restrictions

Council urging people to have their say on dog restrictions

Local government

Survey opened for future of dog restrictions on beaches

Mali the French Bulldog had to be put to sleep

Mali the French Bulldog had to be put to sleep

Woman banned from keeping animals after dog left in such state it had to be put down

A number of pets at the Dorset centres of Margaret Green Animal Rescue are looking for new homes

A number of pets at the Dorset centres of Margaret Green Animal Rescue are looking for new homes

Margaret Green Animal Rescue

6 pets at Margaret Green Animal Rescue who dream of finding a cosy new home

With temperatures set to hit 30 degrees this weekend, the BVA is advising dog owners to stick to early morning and late evening walks and avoid exercising pets in the hottest parts of the day to prevent potentially fatal heat-related illnesses.

With temperatures set to hit 30 degrees this weekend, the BVA is advising dog owners to stick to early morning and late evening walks and avoid exercising pets in the hottest parts of the day to prevent potentially fatal heat-related illnesses.

Vets warn dog owners to avoid walks during 'scorching' Bank Holiday weather

Nala and Simba the rescue puppies

Nala and Simba the rescue puppies

Brave rescue puppies named after Lion King characters defy the odds

Dorset and Somerset air ambulance leaving the marsh playing fields

Dorset and Somerset air ambulance leaving the marsh playing fields

Local government

Dog park plans for recreation ground

Two puppies with spine defect defy odds at rescue centre

Dog owners have been urged to fill out the National Dog Survey from the Dogs Trust

Dog owners have been urged to fill out the National Dog Survey from the Dogs Trust

Dog owners urged to fill out survey to help shape future of the pets in the UK

A number of Dorset RSPCA pets are looking for new homes

A number of Dorset RSPCA pets are looking for new homes

6 pets at RSPCA Dorset dreaming of cosy new homes including 'sensitive' dog

Bozo after being bitten by a snake

Bozo after being bitten by a snake

Adder bite warning after dog's face balloons in size

Weymouth reader in fierce attack on 'irresponsible' cat owners

Weymouth reader in fierce attack on 'irresponsible' cat owners

Fierce attack on 'irresponsible' cat owners

Your adorable pet pictures

Your adorable pet pictures

Your adorable Dorset pets featured in our photo special

Updated photo of the kittens which are now with a volunteer

Updated photo of the kittens which are now with a volunteer

One-week-old kittens found dumped in backpack now safe with volunteer

One of the kittens

One of the kittens

Shock as kittens found dumped in backpack near railway station

Don't miss tomorrow's Dorset Echo with our special readers' pets photos supplements

Don't miss tomorrow's Dorset Echo with our special readers' pets photos supplements

Your pet could be in print tomorrow - don’t miss this special Dorset Echo supplement

Dog beach ban returns this week

The best dog-friendly pubs in Dorset

The best dog-friendly pubs in Dorset

The best Dorset pubs where dogs are genuinely welcome – and the food is superb

The search for Lottie

The search for Lottie

Tears of joy as elderly dog found alive in brambles after extensive search

Paws & Purrs Portland has been shortlisted for Best New Business and Best Community Contribution at The UK Small Business Awards.

Paws & Purrs Portland has been shortlisted for Best New Business and Best Community Contribution at The UK Small Business Awards.

Business Awards

Dorset business named finalist in two categories at national awards

Susie the Cat on South Street in 2024

Susie the Cat on South Street in 2024

Dozens back plans for statue of Susie the Cat

Send us a picture of your pet for National Pet Month

Send us a picture of your pet for National Pet Month

Send us a picture of your pet for National Pet Month

A community donation point inside an ALDI store

A community donation point inside an ALDI store

Aldi calls on Dorset shoppers to donate pet food in stores this April

RSPCA's appeal follows a nearly 70 per cent increase in large-scale animal incidents

RSPCA's appeal follows a nearly 70 per cent increase in large-scale animal incidents

RSPCA rescues thousands in large-scale incidents as centres over capacity

Joy Kidd and her cavapoo Poppy

Joy Kidd and her cavapoo Poppy

Pets as Therapy

Most people in South West say seeing a therapy animal would help in hospitals

Vet warns cat owners against buying these 4 popular flowers this spring

Dog walkers are being warned to keep pets on leads this Easter to protect livestock

Dog walkers are being warned to keep pets on leads this Easter to protect livestock

Easter warning to dog owners as lambing losses from livestock near £2 million

Photos from Lewis-Manning's Muddy Dog Dash at Upton Country Park on March 28.

Photos from Lewis-Manning's Muddy Dog Dash at Upton Country Park on March 28.

Upton Country Park

Hundreds of dogs and their owners take part in Muddy Dog Dash 2026

Santander has issued a warning to its customers about a pet scam and shared how they can avoid it

Santander has issued a warning to its customers about a pet scam and shared how they can avoid it

Santander issues warning as £160k lost in new pet scams and ‘vital’ steps to avoid